Oregon Rep. David Wu offered his resignation Wednesday, officially ending a political scandal that threatened to consume his time in Congress.
“Serving as a U.S. Congressman has been the greatest honor of my life. There is no other job where you get up each day and ask, ‘How can I try to make the world a better place today?’” Mr. Wu said in the statement.
“Particularly meaningful to me has been working for more and better investments in science and education. Also, I believe that my support for people who struggle for human rights and civil liberties will ultimately bear fruit in a world that is more just and peaceful,” the Oregon Democrat added.
The Oregon Democrat’s resignation comes just days after he announced he would leave his post in Congress following the conclusion of the debate over raising the nation’s debt limit. President Obama signed the deal Tuesday, adverting a default. The Oregon Democrat faced calls for his resignation after the Oregonian reported allegations that Mr. Wu has engaged in “unwanted sexual advances” with the daughter of a key campaign donor.
The reports followed a string of problems plaguing Mr. Wu. The Oregonian newspaper reported that campaign aides had confronted him earlier in the year about his erratic behavior and use of medication during his 2010 re-election bid.
The statement said Mr. Wu notified House Speaker John Boehner and Oregon governor John Kitzhaber of the timing for his resignation, which was first announced last month. A spokeswoman for Mr. Kitzhaber, Christine Miles, confirmed that the Oregon congressman called the governor Wednesday afternoon to discuss his resignation, adding that a special election has yet to be announced.
With Mr. Wu’s resignation official, Democrats said they remain confident that they will retain the seat. Republican Rob Cornilles, a sports-business consultant, is reportedly expected to hold a news conference Thursday to announce his candidacy. The Oregon Republican ran unsuccessfully against Mr. Wu in 2010.
